Noncontact clacker toy

ABSTRACT

A toy and a method of operating the toy are provided. The toy includes a shaft and a first arm rotationally coupled to the shaft, the first arm having a first body spaced apart from the shaft. A second arm is rotationally coupled to the shaft, the second arm having a second body spaced apart from the shaft. A first magnetic member is coupled to the first body. A second magnetic member is coupled to the second body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The Present Application is a nonprovisional application of, and claims the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/878,101 entitled Noncontact Clacker Toy filed on Jul. 24, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/944,472 entitled Noncontact Clacker Toy filed Dec. 6, 2019, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to toy, and in particular to a so-called clacker type toy that operates in a noncontact manner.

“Clacker” type toys are a child's toy that allows a pair of hard plastic balls to rotate about a string or a shaft. The rotational motion of a moving first ball contacts a stationary second ball. The momentum of the first ball is imparted into the second ball, causing the second ball to rotate around an axis to contact the first ball. By repeatedly performing this motion, a rhythmic-like motion and noise may be achieved. The motion may be imparted by shaking the handle by the user. The sound produced by the impact of the first ball and second ball on each other gives the toy its name.

While existing clacker toys are suitable for their intended purpose, the need for improvement remains, particularly in providing a clacker-type toy that does not make sound.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

According to one aspect of the disclosure a toy is provided. The toy includes a shaft and a first arm rotationally coupled to the shaft, the first arm having a first body spaced apart from the shaft. A second arm is rotationally coupled to the shaft, the second arm having a second body spaced apart from the shaft. A first magnetic member is coupled to the first body. A second magnetic member is coupled to the second body.

In this and other embodiments, the toy further includes the first magnetic member having a first positive pole and a first negative pole and the second magnetic member having a second positive pole and a second negative pole. The first positive pole is oriented to face the second positive pole when the first body rotates towards the second body. In this and other embodiments, the toy further includes the first magnetic member and second magnetic member applying opposing forces on each other when the first body rotates towards the second body.

In this and other embodiments, the toy further includes the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member having a cylindrical shape. In this and other embodiments, the toy further includes the first magnetic member is encased in the first body and the second magnetic member is encased in the second body. In this and other embodiments, the toy further includes the first magnetic member and second magnetic member being configured to cause the second body to move and the first body to stop when the first body is rotated to within a distance of the second body.

According to another aspect of the disclosure a method of operating a toy is provided. The method includes: rotating a first arm about an axis, the first arm having a first magnetic member; maintaining a second arm substantially motionless with respect to the axis as the first arm is rotated, the second arm having a second magnetic member; applying a first force on second magnetic member with the first magnetic member when the first magnetic member is rotated within a distance of the second magnetic member; applying a second force on the first magnetic member with the second magnetic member when the first magnetic member is rotated within the distance of the second magnetic member; stopping the rotational motion of the first magnetic member in response to the second force; and rotating the second magnetic member about the axis in response to the first force.

In this and other embodiments, the method further includes: applying a third force on second magnetic member with the first magnetic member when the second magnetic member is rotated within the distance of the first magnetic member; applying a fourth force on the first magnetic member with the second magnetic member when the second magnetic member is rotated within the distance of the first magnetic member; stopping the rotational motion of the second magnetic member in response to the third force; and rotating the first magnetic member about the axis in response to the fourth force.

In this and other embodiments, the toy further includes repeating the stopping and rotating of the first magnetic member and second magnetic member in response to a user shaking the toy. In this and other embodiments, the toy further includes: providing the first magnetic member encased in a first body; and providing the second magnetic member encased in a second body.

These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The subject matter, which is regarded as the disclosure, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a clacker toy in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the clacker toy of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the clacker toy of FIG. 1 with the paddle portions in close proximity to each other;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the clacker toy of FIG. 1 in the position of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an unassembled view of the magnet assembly in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the magnet assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a clacker toy in accordance with another embodiment;

FIGS. 8A-8D are various views of a noncontact clacker toy in accordance with another embodiment; and

FIGS. 9A-9D are various views of a noncontact clacker toy in accordance with another embodiment.

The detailed description explains embodiments of the disclosure, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide advantages in allowing a user to perform the rhythmic-like motions of a clacker toy without making a sound.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, an embodiment is shown of a clacker toy 20. The toy 20 includes a handle 22 having a shaft 24 extending from one end. In an embodiment, the shaft 24 is coaxial with the handle 22. The handle 22 may be made from a suitable material, such as but not limited to a polymer, wood, or metal. Similarly, the shaft may be made from a polymer, wood, or metal. The shaft 24 defines an axis of rotation 26.

In the illustrated embodiment, the toy 20 includes a first arm 28 and a second arm 30. Each arm 28, 30 includes a first portion 32A, 34A that includes a hook portion 36A, 36B on an end. The hook portion 36A, 38A is generally C-shaped and fits loosely around the shaft 24. In an embodiment, the hook portions 36A, 38A are a circular body with a hole formed therethrough that is sized to fit the shaft 24. In an embodiment, a washer 40 is disposed between the hook portions 36A, 38A.

Each arm 28, 30 further includes a second portion 32B, 34B that includes a hook portion 36B, 38B on an end. The hook portion 36B, 38B is generally C-shaped and fits loosely around the shaft 24. In an embodiment, the hook portions 36B, 38B are a circular body with a hole formed therethrough that is sized to fit the shaft 24. In an embodiment, a washer 42 is disposed between the hook portions 36B, 38B. In the illustrated embodiment, a cap member 44 is disposed on the end of the shaft 24 to capture the arms 28, 30 on the shaft 24 while allowing the arms 28, 30 to freely rotate about the axis 26. The cap member 44 may be coupled to the shaft using any suitable means, such as but not limited to threaded fastener, adhesive bonding, press fit and ultrasonic bonding for example.

The first arm 28 portions 32A, 32B are arranged on an angle relative to the axis 26, such that the distal ends 46A, 46B, are closer together than the hook portions 36A, 36B to define, with the shaft 24 a triangular shape. Coupled to the ends 46A, 46B is a first body 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the first body 48 has a circular cross section that is generally coplanar with the plane defined by the arm portions 32A, 32B and shaft 24. It should be appreciated that the first body 48 may have other shapes, such as but not limited to spherical or semi-spherical for example. Coupled to the body 48 is a first magnetic member 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the first magnetic member 50 is coaxial or centered within the first body 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the first magnetic member 50 has a diameter of 0.75 inches.

The second arm 30 portions 34A, 34B are also arranged on an angle relative to the axis 26, such that the distal ends 52A, 52B, are closer together than the hook portions 38A, 38B to define, with the shaft 24 a triangular shape. Coupled to the ends 52A, 52B is a second body 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the second body 54 has a circular cross section that is generally coplanar with the plane defined by the arm portions 34A, 34B and shaft 24. It should be appreciated that the second body 54 may have other shapes, such as but not limited to spherical or semi-spherical for example. In an embodiment, the second body 54 has the same shape as the first body 48. Coupled to the body 54 is a second magnetic member 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the second magnetic member 56 is coaxial or centered within the body 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the second magnetic member 56 has a diameter of 0.75 inches. In general, the bodies 48, 54 and magnets 50, 56 rotate in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the axis 26.

In an embodiment, the magnets 50, 56 are embedded in or encased within the bodies 48, 54.

In operation, the user shakes the toy 20 to cause the arms 28, 30 to rotate about the axis 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic members 50, 56 are oriented such that their respective poles are opposite each other. In this way, as the bodies 50, 54 approach each other (FIG. 3), the magnetic field generated by each magnetic member 50, 56 will apply a repellant force on the opposing magnetic member 50, 56. As a result, when the moving arm 28, 30 rotates the respective body 48, 54 towards the other body, a force (represented by arrow) 58 will be imparted on the other body causing to move in the same manner as the prior art clacker toy, but without having physical contact between the bodies. As a result, the rhythmic movement of the clacker toy can be achieved in a noncontact manner. Thus, the toy 20 is quiet and no clacking noise is made.

Referring now to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 an embodiment of the magnet assembly 60. In this embodiment, the body 48, 54 includes a recess 62 having a counterbore 64. The recess 62 is sized to receive the magnetic member 50, 56. In an embodiment, the recess 62 includes a lip 66 on an end opposite the counterbore 64. The magnetic member 50, 56 engages the lip 66 when the magnetic member 50, 56 is fully inserted into the recess 62. The magnetic member 50, 56 is sized to have a thickness that is equal to or less than the distance from the top of the lip 66 to the bottom surface of the counterbore 64. The counter bore 64 is sized to receive a cover 68. In the exemplary embodiment, the cover 68 is coupled to the body 48, 54 via ultrasonic welding. In other embodiments, the cover 68 may be coupled via adhesive bonding or other suitable attachment processes. It should be appreciated that while the exemplary embodiment illustrates the cover 68 as having a central opening, this is for example purposes and the claims should not be so limited. In other embodiments the cover 68 may be in the shape of a solid disk, such that the magnetic member is encased within the body 48,54 when the cover 68 is coupled thereto.

Referring now to FIG. 7, another embodiment is shown of the clacker toy 20. This embodiment is similar to that of FIG. 1, except that in this embodiment a second washer, or shoulder 41, 43 is arranged on the shaft 24 adjacent the hook portions 36A, 36B. The shoulder 41, 43 is disposed inward, or closer to the center of the shaft 24 than the washer 40. It has been found that the shoulders 41, 43 provide advantages in avoiding deformation during rotation of the arms 28, 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8D, another embodiment is shown of a clacker toy 100. The toy 100 includes a shaft 124. The shaft 124 may be made from a suitable material, such as but not limited to a polymer, wood, or metal. The shaft 124 defines an axis of rotation 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 124 is sized to allow a person to hold the ends of the shaft 124 between their finger and the thumb.

In the illustrated embodiment, the toy 100 includes a first arm 128 and a second arm 30. The first arm 128 includes a first portion 132A that includes an end portion 136A on an end. The end portion 136A is rotationally coupled to the shaft 124. The end portion 136A may be C-shaped and fits loosely around the shaft 124. In another embodiment, the end portion 136A may have a through hole sized to receive the shaft 124. In an embodiment, an end cap 140A is disposed adjacent the end portion 136A. In an embodiment, the end cap 140A prevents the end portion 136A from sliding off the end of the shaft 124.

The first arm 128 further includes a second portion 132B that includes an end portion 136B on an end. The end portion 136B is rotationally coupled to the shaft 124. The end portion 136B may be C-shaped and fits loosely around the shaft 124. In another embodiment, the end portion 136B may have a through hole sized to receive the shaft 124. In an embodiment, an end cap 140B is disposed adjacent the end portion 136B. In an embodiment, the end cap 140B prevents the end portion 136B from sliding off the end of the shaft 124.

The second arm 130 includes an arm portion 134 having an end portion 138 that is rotationally coupled to the shaft 124. The end portion 138 may be C-shaped and fits loosely around the shaft 124. In another embodiment, the end portion 138 may have a through hole sized to receive the shaft 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the end portion 138 is disposed on the shaft 124 between the end portions 132A, 132B

The end cap 140 may be coupled to the shaft using any suitable means, such as but not limited to threaded fastener, adhesive bonding, press fit and ultrasonic bonding for example.

Coupled to, or integral with, the ends of the first portion 132A and second portion 132B is a first body 148. In the illustrated embodiment, the first body 48 has a circular cross section that is generally coplanar with the plane defined by the arm portions 132A, 132B and shaft 124. It should be appreciated that the first body 148 may have other shapes, such as but not limited to spherical or semi-spherical for example. Coupled to the body 148 is a first magnetic member 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the first magnetic member 150 is coaxial or centered within the first body 148. In the illustrated embodiment, the first magnetic member 150 has a diameter of 0.75 inches.

Coupled to, or integral with, the ends of arm portion 134 is a second body 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the second body 154 has a circular cross section that is generally coplanar with the plane defined by the arm portion 134 and shaft 124. It should be appreciated that the second body 154 may have other shapes, such as but not limited to spherical or semi-spherical for example. In an embodiment, the second body 154 has the same shape as the first body 148. Coupled to the body 154 is a second magnetic member 156. In the illustrated embodiment, the second magnetic member 156 is coaxial or centered within the body 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the second magnetic member 156 has a diameter of 0.75 inches. In general, the bodies 148, 154 and magnets 150, 156 rotate in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the axis 126.

In an embodiment, the magnets 150, 156 are embedded in or encased within the bodies 148, 154.

In operation, the user holds the toy 100 between one of their fingers and their thumb and shakes the toy 20 to cause the arms 128, 130 to rotate about the axis 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic members 150, 156 are oriented such that their respective poles are opposite each other. In this way, as the bodies 150, 154 approach each other, the magnetic field generated by each magnetic member 150, 156 will apply a repellant force on the opposing magnetic member 150, 156. As a result, when the moving arm 128, 130 rotates the respective body 148, 154 towards the other body, a force will be imparted on the other body causing to move in the same manner as the prior art clacker toy, but without having physical contact between the bodies. As a result, the rhythmic movement of the clacker toy can be achieved in a noncontact manner. Thus, the toy 100 is quiet and no clacking noise is made.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9D, another embodiment is shown of the clacker toy 20. This embodiment is similar to that of FIG. 1, except that in this embodiment an attachment member 200 extends from an end 202 of the handle 22 that is opposite the hook portion 36A. In an embodiment, the attachment member 200 is a suction cup that allows the toy 20 to be removably coupled to a surface, such as a table or desk top. It should be appreciated that while embodiments herein illustrate the attachment member 200 as being a suction cup, this is for exemplary purposes and the claims should not be so limited. In other embodiments, the attachment member 200 may use other means for coupling the toy 20 to a surface, such as but not limited to a weighted base, an adhesive, and a threaded fastener for example.

The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, “about” can include a range of ±8% or 5%, or 2% of a given value.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.

While the disclosure is provided in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that the exemplary embodiment(s) may include only some of the described exemplary aspects. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A toy comprising: a shaft; a first arm rotationally coupled to the shaft, the first arm having a first body spaced apart from the shaft; a second arm rotationally coupled to the shaft, the second arm having a second body spaced apart from the shaft; a first magnetic member coupled to the first body; and a second magnetic member coupled to the second body.
 2. The toy of claim 1, wherein: the first magnetic member has a first positive pole and a first negative pole; the second magnetic member has a second positive pole and a second negative pole; and the first positive pole is oriented to face the second positive pole when the first body rotates towards the second body.
 3. The toy of claim 2, wherein the first magnetic member and second magnetic member apply opposing forces on each other when the first body rotates towards the second body.
 4. The toy of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member have a cylindrical shape.
 5. The toy of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic member is encased in the first body and the second magnetic member is encased in the second body.
 6. The toy of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic member and second magnetic member are configured to cause the second body to move and the first body to stop when the first body is rotated to within a distance of the second body.
 7. The toy of claim 1, further comprising a handle coupled to one end of the shaft.
 8. The toy of claim 7, wherein the handle is co-axial with the shaft.
 9. The toy of claim 1, further comprising an attachment member coupled to the shaft on an end opposite the shaft.
 10. The toy of claim 9, wherein the attachment member is a suction cup.
 11. The toy of claim 1, further comprising a first end cap coupled to one end of the shaft and a second end cap coupled to a second end of the shaft.
 12. The toy of claim 11, wherein the first end cap and second end cap are spaced apart a distance that allows a user to place the toy between a thumb and a finger.
 13. A method of operating a toy comprising: rotating a first arm about an axis, the first arm having a first magnetic member; maintaining a second arm substantially motionless with respect to the axis as the first arm is rotated, the second arm having a second magnetic member; applying a first force on second magnetic member with the first magnetic member when the first magnetic member is rotated within a distance of the second magnetic member; applying a second force on the first magnetic member with the second magnetic member when the first magnetic member is rotated within the distance of the second magnetic member; stopping the rotational motion of the first magnetic member in response to the second force; and rotating the second magnetic member about the axis in response to the first force.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: applying a third force on second magnetic member with the first magnetic member when the second magnetic member is rotated within the distance of the first magnetic member; applying a fourth force on the first magnetic member with the second magnetic member when the second magnetic member is rotated within the distance of the first magnetic member; stopping the rotational motion of the second magnetic member in response to the third force; and rotating the first magnetic member about the axis in response to the fourth force.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising repeating the stopping and rotating of the first magnetic member and second magnetic member in response to a user shaking the toy.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: providing the first magnetic member encased in a first body; and providing the second magnetic member encased in a second body. 